#957

Lot 3 (2) 1847 10c black, wide margins on all sides, tied by a manuscript pen cancel on a FL datelined December 21, 1850, red Washington D.C. Dec 23 cds at left, addressed in the hand of Hiland Hall to Peter T. Washburn in Woodstock, Vt., contents include a complete three-page letter written by Hall, offering striking commentary on the national political climate. He expresses concern that Vermont’s recently passed anti-Fugitive Slave Law legislation could cause the state to be wrongly lumped in with Southern nullifiers such as South Carolina. The letter offers rare insight into the legal and moral tensions preceding the Civil War. Hall would go on to become Governor of Vermont in 1858. The recipient, Peter T. Washburn, was a prominent Vermont lawyer and later served as Governor of Vermont in 1869. His correspondence with Hall reflects the close connection between Vermont’s legal and political leadership in this pivotal era. A choice example of the 1847 10c issue used on letter enhanced by rich political content and a notable association between two future Vermont governors, 1200.

Cherrystone sale 2506 realized 1100

Alexander listed as 12/24/50 to unknown addressee

PF 90447 #2, genuine use on cover